Easter - "a time to offer words of comfort and healing" - Administrator for Diocese of Clogher tells congregation

Monsignor Joseph McGuinness, Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Clogher, in his homily at the Easter Vigil celebrated at St Patrick's Church, Tyholland, Co Monaghan, last night (Saturday) said the Easter message urges is to raise others up, not tear them down, to offer words of comfort and healing in a world so often given to mockery, anger and spite.

He told the congregation: "We see how, even in the midst of hardship, cruelty and suffering in our world, God’s Spirit moves people to heroism, courage, devotion and selflessness. So too, when we are in dark places of grief, pain or despair, his Spirit is there in every word of comfort, every act of kindness and every offer of support.
"Easter calls us to embrace and appreciate these gifts, and to be the bearers of these gifts for others. The Easter message urges us to raise others up, not tear them down, to offer words of healing and comfort in a world so often given to anger, mockery and spite."

* The Diocese of Clogher encompasses all of Co Monaghan, most of Fermanagh and portions of Tyrone, Donegal, Louth and Cavan. It has a Catholic population of 88,000, across 37 parishes, which are served by 63 priests and 1 deacon. There are 85 churches in the diocese.

** Monsignor Joseph McGuinness is the Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Clogher, pending the appointment of a new bishop. He is also the Administrator of the Parish of Tyholland, Co Monaghan.